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The English language has a great influence of French on its vocabulary, and there are many words from the French origin that are used daily while speaking English. Many of the words might have the same meaning but have been modified in the spelling, but it cannot be denied that they share French roots. It is estimated that near about 28% of the English vocabulary consists of words that have been included from the French language. Like, force, machine, publicity, etc. are of French origin, but presently are used and pronounced as per the English orthography.

French orthography includes nasal vowels that are entire absent from the English language. There are a lot of phrases and words that are being used in the English language without realising that they have been adopted from the French language. Let us study a few of the words and phrases that have transformed English in its modern sense as we study it today.

Bijou

It is proper French word that has been adopted by the English language. In French, this word means a small gem. However, in the English language, the same word has been adopted but with entirely different meaning and use. From a small jewel in French Bijou was converted to anything stylish with a small size. It might sound funny but is a reality that how the same word has two different meanings. If a person speaking English uses Bijou in any aspect other than jewels in front of a French speaking person, then he might get puzzled and do not understand the reason for using it.

For example, in English one would write, And this was not some tiny bijou hotel foyer. This means that the hotel was not small. The French would use bijou as Je vais vous achater un bijou! It means that I will buy you a jewel.

Femme fatale

This phrase is used as it is in the English vocabulary carrying the same meaning as it has in the French language. The meaning of this phrase means a deadly and seductive woman. It is generally used to describe a woman who is quite dangerous. In English and French it carries the same meaning, but while using this phrase, no one would have ever wondered that it is not an English phrase rather it has been adopted from French. A slight difference is that when this phrase in English is has a very subtle meaning that is a dangerous woman, but in contrast, when the same is used in French it feels to be more sassy in the meaning.

Panache

In its real sense, the panache is a French word that means a feather or ornament worn above the hat as a decorative item. However, the word found a change in its definition when Henri IV showed courage and bravery. Thus is became a synonym of flamboyance since then. Even though the word is used in English with the same spelling and meaning, but it has less use here. It is majorly used in the French. However, there are still cases where panache is used in daily English conversations.

Je ne sais quoi

When a French person sees something that is very attractive but cannot be expressed in words, he will use the phrases Je ne sais quoi. This phrase has been adopted in the English language but with a reduced intensity of expressions. In English, it would imply a person does not have words to describe anything. However, it can be in positive as well negative sense, but in French has a more of a positive inclination. Thus, one can say that the French expression of the phrase is much more effective than its adopted English version.

Exposé

In the beginning, the word expose was used as a noun meaning telling the reason behind any decision or logic used to solve any problem. Over the years it evolved to be used for unveiling the secret behind any scandal. It came to be associated with a single meaning and bringing in light the faces or facts that have been involved in a fraud. This word means exactly the same in French also. However, in English, it has been modified in the way it is written i.e. expose. Except this, there is no other difference in the meaning or use of this French word.

Eau de toilette

This phrase might sound a little familiar to you. You have read this phrase every time you would have read the contents of a perfume bottle. In earlier times the literal meaning of this phrase is toilet water. Do not get shocked! The times have gone and also the use of the phrase being used for toilet water. However, the meaning of Eau de toilette has now transformed to being a light perfume both in English and French. Hence, you can be relaxed about buying a perfume, but try to notice the phrase printed on you bottle and resist laughing.

Gauche

Talking of French people the word literally means left to them, but the English modification of the word is a little different. In English vocabulary, the word Gauche means something awkward. There is a lot of difference in both the meanings. However, it is assumed that the modification has been adopted because it becomes awkward for the left-handers to live in a place where there is a maximum number of right-handers. Thus, when used in French, it might convey a different meaning.

Here one can see the similarities as well as the differences in the words and phrases that have been adopted in English vocabulary from the French language. There are some adoptions that find a more elaborative meaning in English while others make more sense when used in French.

Whatever be the case it is difficult to deny that English language’s many words have French origin which is unknown to many. Thus, next time you use any English word try to find out the history of its existence and from where it came to be used in English. It is interesting to know that how two entirely different languages have so much in common to share.

The Greek language had its origin some 4000 years ago. The written form of the language came into existence 3000 years ago. It is one of the oldest languages still in use along with Hebrew, Chinese and Tamil. A rich collection of literature is still fulfilling the desire for knowledge of many readers. The work of Greek writers includes information on almost every topic that was available at that point of time. Hence, there are illustrations on various topics including mathematics, physics, astronomy, politics, gastronomy and law. These are a few examples that have been stated here.

Apart from these, a wide range of topics has also been covered by this language. There are a lot of things that has been the gift of Greek literature to the world. For example, the very first encyclopaedia was written in the Greek language. Thus, to understand such a language is equally important as well. Let us have a look at some of the phrases and words of the Greek Language.

Starting with the most basic words let us learn how to say hello in the Greek language. In this language, Yia or Yia sou is used to say hello to others. This is a single example of the basic words used in the Greek language. Let us learn a few more words.

Excuse me in called Me singhorisi in Greek.

Efharisto is the Greek word for Thank you.

Good Morning in Greek is denoted as Kalimera.

Kalinihta is the Greek word for Good Night.

Good Afternoon means Kalo Apogevma in Greek.

Sighnomi is the Greek version of the word

These are the simple words that are used in the language. Now let us move on to some of the phrases that are being used in the Greek language. The greeting is the first thing we do while we meet someone.

How are you? is often asked by people to each other. Ti kaneis? or Ti kanis? is the Greek way of saying how are you?

Nice meeting you is said whenever we meet somebody. In Greek Kharika gia ti gnorimia is said to politely say that one felt nice on meeting someone. In this way the other person also feels good and honoured.

What is your name? is the question we ask people often. However, in the Greek language, it is done differently. If you want to ask the name of any person, then you should say Pos se lene?

Suppose if you are planning to spend a holiday in Greece, then you might learn this phrase thoroughly Posso makria eenay? It means that you are asking somebody about the distance at which something is located. As a tourist, you would require to ask the locations, and this question would definitely help you.

English is a global language. Even then there are a lot of people who do not speak English in order to ask anybody whether he/she knows it you can say Milatay Ag-glika ? This phrase means do you know to speak English?

While sitting in a Greek restaurant, you would require a menu to order from. So, you can say Boroomay na doomay enna menoo? It means that can we see the menu? This is the most basic phrase that will be required often. So, learn it by heart to enjoy your

Imagine you are on a holiday and you spot a Greek girl in a pub. You instantly have the urge to dance with her. So, you would say thélis na horépsis mazí mu? in Greek that means would you like to dance with me?

In all countries and cities, we find good as well as bad people. Some treat us with respect while others do not care. Hence, for those who show care and concern towards us even in the foreign land, it becomes our duty to show gratitude towards them. Thus, by saying Ise poli glikos you would mean to say to some person that you are very sweet.

Apart from pronunciation, the way of writing in Greek is also different as they make use of various symbols instead of normal English alphabets. All in all their letters are a mixture of English alphabets and various symbols. These are 24 in number and carry a different meaning.

Source: the internet

In the above image, one can see the various symbols and alphabets along with their pronunciation. For example, if you want to write how is cheese made? in the Greek language then it would be written as πώς είναι το τυρί γίνεται and would be pronounced as pós eínai to tyrí gínetai?

Thus, learning Greek means, you will be learning one of the most historic languages of the world that are prevailing till now. Greek has been declared the official language of Greece and Cyprus. So, if you are planning to go on a holiday in Greece, then you must learn the basic terminologies and phrases so that it becomes easy for you roam and communicate while you travel. Also, learning the local language becomes a boon in order to connect to the natives and get their assistance as and when required. geiá sou (Happy journey)!

German is a language which most of the people try to learn. After English, the German language is mostly used by the people. It is among ten languages which people prefer to learn and speak. German language is very similar to English language and can be learned easily. If one knows this language, a lot of opportunities gets open in the market. German is a place which is full of innovators and academicians. People can go and learn many things of their interest. German is also a place for global marketers and leaders. It is a place in the world where one should go and explore. Germans are present everywhere as they are voracious travellers. If one wants to enter into tourist industry then knowing the German language can be of great use.

This article will show 21 German words and Phrases that one should know.

Schonen Feierabend :-

In English, this phase means Have a nice evening. When a person has come into some discussion and is now leaving then this phrase can be used. Also as Germans like to party a lot, they say this phrases when they are leaving from their work and are going.

Keine Sorge/ Kein Proble/ Nicht zu Danken

These phrases are used when a person wants to say you are welcome or no problem. It is very common that after helping someone applaud is received in return. People used to respond to applaud by using a phrase like you are welcome or no problem.

Es tut mir leid

This means I am sorry. If someone makes any mistake and is feeling guilty can the person can say Es tut mir leid in order to apologise for the mistake done.

Sie / er

This means she/ he. This can be used to refer people. He/ She are the common words and are frequently used. These are the words one must know in order to communicate.

Schon, dich kennen zu Lernen

The meaning of this phrase in English is pleased to meet you. This can be used to praise someone when the person has met them the first time. This is also used when it feels good after taking with someone, or someone guided.

Haben Sie vegetarisches Essen?

If a person wants to have vegetarian food in a restaurant or at any place he can use this phrase. This phrase means Do you have a vegetarian food.

Wo ist die Toilette?

If a person wants to go to the washroom and does not have the idea where it is then he can ask by saying Wo ist die toilette. This means where the bathroom is.

Zum Bahnhof Bitte.

This means to the airport, please. This will help in assisting the driver to know where you want to go.

Ich verstehe nicht

I do not understand the mean of this phrase. When the person is not able to understand what the other person is saying the German language than on can use this phrase. This Phrase is useful for many people who do not know German language and who are new in the country.

Hilfe

This word means help. It can be used when a person is in trouble and wants the help of someone to get out of it. Many times it may happen that when a person visits the new place, he is not aware of the things. It may happen that he might face difficulty in many places. So it is very necessary that a person is aware of how help is pronounced in the German language.

Gute Besserung

This means to get well soon. When the person is not well, many times, people use this phrase to say them that they should take medicine on time and take proper rest.

J- das habe ich auf dem Schrim

Yes- I am working on it. This is the way to assure someone that the work assigned will be completed on time.

Konnen Si emir Bitte eine Mail schreben

This phrase means “Can you send me an email”. For getting important information from someone, a person can request to send the email.

Ein Glas wasser, Bitte

For having a glass of water when a person is feeling thirsty, this phrase can be used. This phrase means “A glass of water, please”.

Einen Tisch fur [ zwei/ drei/vier], bitte

When a person goes into a restaurant and wants to ask for a place to sit or to reserve a table this phrase can be of very much use. It means that A table for [two/ three/ four], please

Woher kommst du?

When a person is having a conversation and wants to know from where he is, this phrase can be used. The meaning of the phrase is “Where are you from”. This is an informal way of asking. When the person is having a formal conversation and wants to ask, then he may say Woher kommen Sie.

Ich komme aus..

To respond to the question that from where the person belongs to this phrase is used. It means “I am fro..”.

Sprichst du englisch?

This phrase means Do you speak English. This can helpful to know that which language the person knows.

Wie viel kostet das?

This used to ask the price of a product or a vegetable from the person. The meaning is “how much is that?”

Um wieviel Uhr [offnet/ schliebt] das Geschaft?

This means what time does the shop [open/ close].

Kann ich bitte die [ Speisekarte/ Weinkarte] sehen?

In order to ask for a menu card or a wine list, this phrase is used. It means Can I see the [menu/ wine list], please.

The above-mentioned words and phrase are very commonly used when a person visits Germany or is assisting a German person. If a person knows the above-mentioned phrases and words, it becomes very easy to communicate, and one can express what is needed.

Every language has a same root of origin and had come from the same part of world although every language is different from other. Now the most obvious question pops up in every mind is where do languages come from? The answer to this question is as old as human being’s ability to pose it. The two top answers for this question are, the first is evolution, where the first human banter was heard and the second is ontological that how human civilization acquires the power of speech and understanding. Continue reading Evolution of languages→